Yoga, Dance, Music, Film, and so much more 

By Sally Deering

Summerâ€s just around the corner and after the winter we had, every day should feel like the 4^th of July. One of the many benefits of living here on the Hudson is not only our close proximity to all things Manhattan, but the many activities that are offered either on the water or close to it. From kayaking to dance performances to film screenings on a starry night, there are plenty of fun things to do this summer; hereâ€s a sampling…..

SUMMER ENCHANTED EVENINGS

Hoboken Concert Series

Thurs, 7 pm: Jun 25-Aug 20

Sinatra Park Amphitheater

Between 4^th & 5^th Streets, Sinatra Drive, Hoboken

www.hobokennj.org

Music under the stars; what a great way to spend a weekday night. Hobokenâ€s Cultural Affairs department presents free outdoor performances this summer with a little something for everyone.   And donâ€t miss the community play along on Thurs, July 23^rd when the Guitar Bar All Stars attempt to beat the worldâ€s record for “Most People Playing a Stringed Instrument on the Same Song”. Hundreds of local musicians gathered for a group performance of Bob Dylanâ€s “Knockin†on Heavenâ€s Door” last year. Tutorials are provided for guitar, mandolin and ukulele on the Guitar Barâ€s YouTube page, so start practicing for that world record. Hereâ€s the summer line-up!

Jun 25:   Karen Kuhl Band and Christine Santelli Band

Jul 2:      Hoboken All Star Jam featuring Krystal

Jul 9:      Hoboken Summer Bash hosted by Frank Raia

Jul 16:                The Gordys and Abbe River & Friends

Jul 23:                Guitar Bar All Stars

Jul 30:    Ray Rodriguez y Swing Savroso.

Aug 6:    Skanatra (reunion concert)

Aug 13:  Swingadelic

Aug 20:  Julio Fernandez & Friends featuring a Top Flite / Park Ave Band Reunion

Kayak & Paddle-Board the Hudson

Hudson River Recreation

(914) 682-5135

www.kayakhudson.com

If youâ€re looking for some interactive fun in the water, why not explore the historic Hudson in a kayak, with lessons and tours offered by Hudson River Recreation. Since 1998, its experienced staff has guided thousands of kayakers – from beginner to pro – “through some of the most stunning waterways in New York.” Their program lineup includes regularly scheduled guided kayak tours, instructional kayak lessons, recreational and touring kayak rentals, stand up paddle boarding tours, lessons, and rentals. In addition, they offer special events like fireworks paddles, moonlight paddles, and kayoga (kayaking & yoga).

 MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

Wednesday nights at 9 pm:

Jun 17 & 24; Jul 8, 15, 22 & 29; and at 8:15 pm Aug 5, 12 & 19

Pier “A” Park

First St & Sinatra Drive, Hoboken

Instead of spending Wednesday nights watching MODERN FAMILY reruns, why not grab a blanket or lawn chair and head over to Pier “A” Park in Hoboken for some free movies under the stars. You may bring a picnic, but no booze (subject to a fine). Assisted-listening devices are available, but must be reserved three weeks in advance (call 201-420-2207). Hereâ€s the lineup:

Jun 24: THE IMITATION GAME, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.

Jul 8:  SAVING MR. BANKS, starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson.

Jul 15: BIRDMAN, starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, and Edward Norton.

Jul 22: THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, starring Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury.

Jul 29: BIG HERO 6, Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Feature Film.

Aug 5: CINDERELLA, starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett and Richard Madden.

Aug 12: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2; at 7 pm, Preschool of Rock performs.

Aug 19: Disneyâ€s FROZEN.

HUDSON RIVER DANCE FESTIVAL

Wed & Thurs, June 17, 18 at 6:30 pm

Pier 63 in Chelsea, NYC

www.HudsonRiverPark.org

A huge free treat for dance lovers, the Hudson River Dance Festival features some of the best dancers in New York as they take the stage for this celebration of Modern Dance. For two nights only; bring a blanket (chairs are not allowed on the Pier 63 lawn) and watch the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Parsons Dance and Ballet Hispanico with the Hudson at their feet.

WALK THE WATERWAY

Sun June 28, Sept 13, & Sept 27

Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy

Sponsored Waterfront Walks

www.hudsonriverwaterfront.org

To get a good view of the new and improved waterfront, the Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy (HRWC) sponsors waterfront walks that focus on different locations on the Hudson. Each waterfront walk is approximately 2-3 miles. Upcoming walks:  June 28, Bayonne, Dennis Collins Park; Sept 13, Liberty State Park, North/Liberty Marina; Sept 27, Edgewater South.

Walkers meet at 9 am and walk from 9:30 to noon and return to the starting point by 12:30 pm. Cost per walk:  $5 per person, payable in cash or check on day of walk. Each walker will be asked to sign a release form. To sign up, email walks@hudsonriverwaterfront.org with your contact info, date of the walk you are interested in, and number of walkers.

RIVER DANCE

Thurs, Jul 9 – Aug 13, 6:30 pm

The Kennedy Dancers

1. Owen Grundy Pier

Exchange Place, Jersey City

(201) 659-2190

www.kennedydancers.org

The Kennedy Dancers†Professional Company and Inner City Youth Junior Dance Company perform on the J. Owen Grundy Pier with the Manhattan Skyline as their backdrop, and as part of Jersey City’s Summer Dance Festival Series.

DOWNWARD DOG ON THE PIER

Free Waterfront Yoga by Michelle Timek

Sat, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept 12, 9-10:15 am

1. Owen Grundy Pier

Exchange Place, JC

(201) 357-7292       

www.michelletimekyoga.com

 

Bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your pals to free yoga on the waterfront by Michelle Timek who teaches yoga in downtown Jersey City. In 2010, Timek began offering free guided yoga sessions on the Hudson to give the community the chance to enjoy the experience of yoga with the beautiful skyline in the background. What began as a small gathering grew to more than 60 participants at each class last summer. Timek focuses on movement, breath, laughter, fun, ease, playfulness and discovery. “It’s quite a magical site and feeling to see everyone gathered together in front of the glistening water and skyscrapers, collectively saluting the morning sun. The energy, views and experience is all so amazing. We’re so excited for this season to do it all over again.”

The post Fun Hudson-Great Things to Do and See on the Hudson Waterfront first appeared on River View Observer.

The post River View Observer May 1st -May15th 2015 first appeared on River View Observer.

On the morning of the 9/11 attack, Jersey City photographer Sandra Swieder grabbed her camera and notebook and headed to the waterfront where she captured the heroic rescue and recovery efforts of firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, EMTs and other volunteers. In the days and months that followed, Swieder continued to photograph and collect stories from survivors, witnesses and emergency responders this side of the Hudson.

 On Sept. 1 and running through Sept. 15, Art House Productions, a non-profit organization committed to the development and presentation of performing and visual arts in Jersey City presents “From Across the River,” a photography exhibition by Swieder that captures the events of September 11th from the New Jersey perspective.

 “With the tenth anniversary coming up, we thought it was a very important story to tell,” Arthouse Productions’ Executive Director Christine Goodman says. “Some people say ‘who wants to relive these images? But Sandra’s photographs have hope, too. What Sandra’s done is document the people and their stories and the real strength of the everyday individuals who rose up that day.”

On the morning of September 11, 2001, after the attacks on the World Trade Center, Hudson County’s waterfront became the hub for emergency personnel, volunteers and over 200,000 survivors who were ferried from lower Manhattan to the Jersey waterfront. When they arrived on the Jersey side – in Hoboken and Jersey City – thousands were decontaminated and triaged, some were hospitalized and given shelter.

That waterfront triage in Jersey City became a five-block radius of emergency personnel, volunteers and family members and the staging area at Exchange Place turned into a lifeline to “Ground Zero.” Swieder, with her camera and notebook, documented the events. She established relationships with key emergency personnel, collected their stories and created a historical record of images and personal accounts and put it all together in “From Across the River.” The exhibit consists of photography and interviews of First Responders, with approximately thirty images ranging from 11×14 to 6 ft. Images have been produced on a number of different mediums such as Plexiglas, canvas and photographic paper. The exhibition will also include a memorial sculpture of reclaimed steel from Ground Zero by artist Matt Johnson.

“It is extremely important to preserve the history of events that transpired on the Jersey side,” Swieder says. “This project illustrates what took place along the Hudson River and how New Jersey responded to the immediate needs of lower Manhattan that Tuesday morning and in the days, weeks and months following.”

Goodman says “From Across the River,” is a powerful exhibition but absolutely essential to our culture and history.

 “It’s preserving the history of what happened on the Hudson River that day and how our New Jersey community came together with New York,” Goodman says, “and how our emergency responders, our citizens, police officers, firefighters and everyday people rose up in this time of need. The work is powerful. It’s preserving our history and honoring these people. Sandra’s work is about healing and community.”

 Funding for “From Across the River” is by Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs & Heritage/Tourism Development.  The exhibit will be up for two weeks at Arthouse Productions and then moved to the Brennan Courthouse where it will be installed for the public to view in the Theodore Conrad Rotunda from Sept. 22 through Oct.14.

 .”It’s not only about us, it’s much bigger,” Swieder says. “My intentions are for it to travel. I think people really need to understand what happened that day. My energies are positive. I’m a single mom with a three year-old. How do I tell the future generations what happened that day? What images do they have of the firemen, the twisted metal and the dust-covered buildings? This is a different perspective. I tried to capture the beauty and the unity of the people that day. Maybe this can bring some closure, some healing. People can look at the worst day of American history in a different light.”

Now to Sept.15th

From Across the River

Art House Productions
One McWilliams Place
(Housed in the former St. Francis Hospital Building, SE corner of Hamilton Park)
Jersey City, NJ

For more info or to schedule a viewing appointment, call (201) 915-9911 or email info@arthouseproductions.org.
Opening reception: Thurs, Sept 1, 7-10 p.m. 

Gallery Open:  Sept. 9^th, 7-9 p.m.

Closing reception: Sept 15, 7-9 p.m.

Additional viewings by appointment; to schedule a visit call 201-915-911

 

Special Anniversary Gallery Openings
Sat. and Sun, Sept. 10 and 11, 12-6 p.m.

The post From Across the River: Images and Reflections of September 11th from the Jersey Side first appeared on River View Observer.

Jersey City, N.J. (Mar. 3, 2010) – Trump Plaza Residences has been able to place many buyers into their dream homes at the 55-story Jersey City luxury condominium tower due in large part to the property’s FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan-compliant status under which the federal government insures private loans to qualifying borrowers.

FHA mortgage terms for New Jersey, differentiating from county to county, allow for loans up to $729,000. The majority of prospective buyers at Trump Plaza Residences are first-time homebuyers seeking homes in the $450,000 to $600,000 price range, therefore qualifying for FHA financing. FHA loans have no income limits, allow for less-than-perfect credit histories and allow buyers to put down as little as 3.5 percent, compared to 10 to 20 percent for a conventional mortgage.
“Being able to tell prospective buyers that the property is FHA-qualified makes all the difference to those who didn’t think a luxury home at Trump Plaza Residences was within their reach,” said Jodi Stasse, director of marketing and sales at Trump Plaza Residences. “However, prospective buyers should be aware that the FHA guidelines are changing and that they should act now to take maximum advantage of the program.”

The FHA guideline changes, which go into effect this spring, could prevent a portion of borrowers from meeting the new, stricter requirements, said Ray Lamberti Jr., Trump Plaza Residences’ on-site Wells Fargo Home Mortgage representative. These changes, combined with the upcoming April 30 expiration of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer federal tax credit, have created a sense of urgency among buyers that has stimulated a surge in sales.

“The best thing first-time homebuyers can do for themselves is come in and talk to us today,” Lamberti said. “If there’s a chance the new guidelines could even slightly prevent a prospective buyer from obtaining a home here, then we need to work with that individual or family as soon as possible.”

Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City has already sold out over half of their 443 homes. The sales team takes pride in the care and attention they show to prospective buyers, offering them comprehensive financial guidance and consultation so they can find homes that will fit their budgets and fulfill their lifestyle needs. In addition, they help prospective buyers understand all components of their financial obligations, from monthly mortgage payments to maintenance fees.

A major appeal of Trump Plaza Residences is the incredible 40,000 square feet of lavish, Trump-managed amenities, including a screening room; a dining room with a catering kitchen; an outdoor landscaped lawn area; a game room; sitting areas and lounges; an aqua grotto; a heated outdoor pool with cabanas; an in-house spa including massage facilities, locker rooms and saunas; a business facility and a fitness center.

As the tallest residential tower in Jersey City, the building also features panoramic views from the George Washington to the Verrazzano Narrows bridges, and a convenient location near the PATH station, the waterfront ferry and the Bergen-Hudson Light Rail that puts all of Manhattan and the Gold Coast at residents’ doorsteps.

The homes at Trump Plaza Residences include one- and two-bedroom homes ranging in size up to 1,450 square feet. Prices for the one-bedrooms start in the mid $400,000s, while the two-bedrooms start in the mid-$600,000s. Three-bedroom homes and penthouses are available but are in limited supply, with pricing available upon request. The city has granted the building 20-year tax abatement, which translates into reduced property taxes for buyers.

“With the new FHA guidelines taking effect in the spring, the federal tax credit expiring in April and the 20-year tax abatement, I can’t imagine a better time to buy than right now,” Stasse said. “Plus, interest rates remain at or near historic lows. The fact that this fortuitous confluence of circumstances is unlikely to come again provides an incredible incentive for first-time homebuyers who are still on the fence to realize their dream of owning a home at Trump Plaza Residences.”

The details of the new FHA guidelines were announced last month, Lamberti said. The changes were initiated as a means of addressing the increased risk in the housing market and strengthening the FHA’s capital reserves, thus improving their financial position and ensuring their long-term ability to guarantee affordable mortgages.

Under the new guidelines, mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) will increase from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent of the loan amount. In addition, there is a reduction of the allowable amount of seller concessions to the buyer from 6 percent to 3 percent. In the past, sellers could offer up to 6 percent of the home’s closing cost to the buyer as an incentive if the buyer used an FHA mortgage; now, the allowable concession is only 3 percent of the closing cost.

Other advantages of an FHA-insured loan include little or no adjustment to the mortgage interest rate during the life of the loan, a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that is funded into the loan instead of being paid for out-of-pocket and the fact that the mortgage can be assumed by a qualified buyer, which means that if the seller’s mortgage carries a lower rate than the current market rate, the buyer can take over the seller’s mortgage. This is a great option for the buyer to have if they sell their unit five or six years later and the rates are higher at that time.

Yet another big advantage of a FHA-insured loan in today’s climate of widespread job displacement and workforce reduction is that, unlike with a conventional mortgage, friends or relatives can gift the down payment to the borrower.

For more information on Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City, please contact the on-site sales and marketing team by calling (888) 263-7003, e-mailing info@trumpplazaresidences.com or visiting the Web site at www.trumpplazaresidences.com

About Trump Organization

The Trump Organization is the world’s only global luxury real estate super-brand, and is responsible for many of the world’s most recognized developments. Trump is renowned for its leadership in real estate development, sales and marketing and property management, representing the highest level of excellence and luxury in residential, office and retail properties. The experience of owning a Trump property and living the Trump lifestyle is unparalleled. With each of its properties, Trump continues to consistently raise the bar for super luxury living.

The post REAL ESTATE- FHA Financing Brings Sales Success to Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City first appeared on River View Observer.

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz Of BNOdesign To Transform Public Spaces At Luxury Residential Tower

 JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Jan. 22, 2010) – Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City has retained world-renowned celebrity interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz of Manhattan-based BNOdesign to transform the exterior entrance and the amenities at the luxury condominium tower. Noriega-Ortiz will enhance the existing common areas at Trump Plaza Residences by adding his signature design mix of modern and classical elements expressed in sensual, glamorous and sophisticated colors, furnishings and design approaches.

 The revitalization will include a grander entrance, creating a sense of arrival for residents and guests, and the enhancement of the already impressive indoor and outdoor amenities spaces, including a new design that maximizes the full potential of the pool, cabanas and lawn areas. The renovations will be completed in two phases, with interior spaces, as well as new models and a new sales center, to be completed in February and the outdoor spaces and landscaping by May of this year.

 The upscale tower, which is the tallest residential tower in Jersey City, has 443 residences, of which more than half have been sold. The building is managed by the Trump Organization.

 “My entire organization is delighted to be working on this exciting project,” said Noriega-Ortiz. “Trump is an internationally recognized brand synonymous with the highest standards of luxury and sophisticated taste. We are proud to be part of bringing a new level of inspired design this already-stunning high rise by enhancing the space, and providing final touches that will make this property the most distinctive on the Gold Coast.”

 Noriega-Ortiz is known for his exquisite remodeling of the Morgans Hotel Group’s Mondrian Scottsdale in Arizona and their flagship hotel, Mondrian Los Angeles.

In addition to the new design, a new all-star team of leading industry professionals is gearing up to launch an exciting new marketing campaign that will kick off with a grand opening and unveiling of the interior spaces early this year. The spokesperson for the marketing campaign will be Ivanka Trump, the daughter of developer Donald Trump, who, in addition to representing the next generation of the famed real estate empire, is a fashion model, jewelry designer and style icon in her own right.

 “We are thrilled to have a designer of Noriega-Ortiz’s caliber at Trump,” said Jodi Stasse, director of marketing and sales at Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City. “He is the ideal choice to meet our goals, which are to use the sleek feel of the building’s interiors as the foundation of a new design that heightens the energy of the building, as well as making it even more welcoming and luxurious. The idea is to give residents the feeling that the entire building — not just their own condominium — is home.”

 The enhancements will set Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City apart by making it more comfortable, sensual and welcoming while retaining the signature Trump prestige and allure. The building also will be officially renamed Trump Plaza Residences and will have its own logo, inspiring a new branding approach for this property in keeping with the distinctive branding that the Trump Organization already has established for their Trump Plaza Casinos and Trump Plaza Hotels, making this building the first residential property to be given this distinction.

 The property is known for its panoramic views, its Manhattan-style, white-gloved concierge service and its more than 40,000 square feet of Trump Organization-managed amenities, which are comparable to those of the world’s grandest hotels and which include a screening room, dining room with full kitchen, billiard and game room, sitting areas and lounges, aqua grotto, heated outdoor pool with cabanas, in-house spa, fitness center and business facility. 

 Residences include one- and two-bedroom homes ranging in size up to 1,450 square feet. Prices for one-bedrooms start in the mid-$400,000s, while those for bedrooms start in the mid-$600,000s. Three-bedroom homes and penthouses are also available, but are in limited supply. Pricing is available upon request. The property has a 20-year tax abatement program. FHA financing is also available, offering reduced interest rates and low down payments. 

 In addition to the panoramic views from the George Washington to the Verrazzano Narrows Bridges, the property features a convenient location near the PATH, waterfront ferry and the Bergen-Hudson Light Rail that puts all of Manhattan and the New Jersey Gold Coast at the residents’ doorstep.

 Noriega-Ortiz’s approach is to bring balance to the design by adding feminine touches to soften the chic, contemporary black and white design scheme. The sales center, which he refers to as the “sales experience,” will repeat the mansion theme so that prospective residents can feel the continuity of brand and emotion. The same will be true of the models, which will also demonstrate Noriega-Ortiz’s design philosophy that rooms should be used for more than one purpose.

 Noriega-Ortiz’s home-as-castle design approach was inspired by Ivanka Trump, whom he refers to as his muse. Her intelligence, beauty, fashion sense and elegance inspired the choice of colors and textures, with the sumptuous fabrics and a jewel-toned color palette of royal blues and purples connoting the regal qualities that are associated with the Trump brand, he said.

“Making this project an extension of the Trump family brand and image was very important to me,” Noriega-Ortiz said. “My vision is to treat this space as if the Trump family were living here. I want the Trump family to feel comfortable when they visit here and I want the residents to feel the same. If this were your mansion, you would have a living room, a sitting room, a library and possibly a tearoom. We want the public spaces of this property to convey the same feelings of home.”

 For more information on Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City, please contact the onsite sales and marketing team at (888) 263-7003 or at info@trumpplazaresidences.com or visit the Web site at www.trumpplazaresidences.com.

  

About the Trump Organization

 

The Trump Organization is the world’s only global luxury real estate super-brand, and is responsible for many of the world’s most recognized developments. Trump is renowned for its leadership in real estate development, sales and marketing and property management and represents the highest level of excellence and luxury in residential, office and retail properties. The experience of owning a Trump property and living the Trump lifestyle is unparalleled. With each of its properties, Trump continues to raise the bar of super luxury living.

 

About BNOdesign

 

World-renowned Interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz of Manhattan-based BNOdesign is recognized as one of the most stylish and influential of today’s interior designers. The aesthetic range of his work travels from traditional to modern. His sensuous, glamorous and ethereal work marries architecture, interior design and decoration, producing dramatic and seductive interiors. Since establishing his firm in 1992, Benjamin has produced projects for such clients as rock star Lenny Kravitz, best-selling Mexican author Laura Esquivel, celebrity portrait photographer Mark Seliger, media mogul Michael Fuchs and entertainment and media genius, Sean “Diddy” Combs. In recent years, he has focused on hotels including the remodeling of The Morgans Hotel Group’s Mondrian Scottsdale, Mondrian Los Angeles and Mondrian SoHo. For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.bnodesign.com

 

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The post World-Class Designer Selected by Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City Team For Dramatic Enhancement first appeared on River View Observer.

3rd Annual Festival

SATURDAY OCTOBER 3, 2009

12 NOON – 6:30 PM

PAVONIA / TOWN SQUARE PLACE-Across from Pavonia/Newport Path Station

FREE  ADMISSION !

FUN FOR KIDS!- RAFFLES

Featuring Silent Auction – Live Bollywood Dance Lessons -Select Local Restaurants and Starring protege of Motown Legend -Berry Gordy- N-KENAGE

Also – Alyesha’s Bollywood Funk NYC

Musical Artist Brady Cudmore

Anejo Latin Band- Chinese Dancers- The Majic of Harold J • Bilal’s Children Classical Ensemble

Leading Jersey City and Hoboken Merchants

Charity Benefi t for NNA College Scholarship Fund

Rain date Sunday October 4th

Sponsors: University of Phenoix, Providenet Bank Foundation , Morton Williams, The Visionary Church of Jersey City, PSE&G and Knight

http://www.newportneighborhood.org

The post The Newport Neighborhood Association’s Third Annual Multi-Cultural Festival first appeared on River View Observer.

 The 4th  Annual Powerhouse Arts Festival

 11:00am to 6:00pm.

The annual Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association’s barbeque and crafts fair will have all the fine arts, nifty crafts, music, cheap beer and block-partying good times of last year, this year PDNA is adding a bunch more vendor spaces and hopefully some live art this year.

PDNA is seeking VOLUNTEERS for the day of the event. They will need people to help with set up, grill-manning (or woman-ing), beer pouring, etc. There will be free food and drink for all who volunteer, plus that special warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with contributing to a good cause. For more information or to sign up, email Jessica.

The festival is also a fundraiser for the Association. Much of our operating income for the year comes from the Fest – so tell your friends and come eat, drink, and be merry in service of the neighborhood.

The post POWERHOUSE ARTS FESTIVAL-September 12th first appeared on River View Observer.